South Florida beaches

100 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Beach, affectionately known as “The Strip,” is an ideal location for rest and relaxation -- as long as you don’t mind sharing. Weekends are lively and for good reason, with its numerous hotels and resorts across the street and more on the way. The beach is pristine, having been awarded with a Blue Wave rating by the Clean Beaches Council. A melting pot of locals and visitors alike people-watch on the boardwalk, catch some sun or take a dip, and no matter what way it’s a true Florida getaway. Bring your dog with you -- Canine Beach (hours vary summer and winter) lives on The Strip.

100 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood

Since 1920, Hollywood Beach has attracted the young and young at heart to its “Broadwalk,” a 30-foot-wide, 2-mile-long promenade that gives visitors a chance to stroll and take in the sights and sounds. Though nostalgic, the Broadwalk has received a multimillion-dollar makeover in recent years and is well deserving of being named one of the best beaches in Florida.

106000 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo

The longest key in the Florida Keys, Key Largo takes full advantage of its size. World-class diving and snorkeling are right at your feet, literally, at John Pennekamp State Park. At three manmade beaches (including Cannon and Far Beach), visitors can swim and kayak through the mangroves in addition to exploring the various bike and nature trails. Camping sites and pavilions are also available, but for daily fees. The locals enjoy the quiet serenity of Harry Harris Park and Beach with its white sand and endless ocean views. All the necessary amenities -- grills, boat ramps, showers and picnic tables -- are at both beaches so families and couples can go “wild” on their own in Key Largo.

Key West

Key West isn’t big on beaches. The island, once little more than mangrove swamps, sits atop the remnants of a coral reef, which, when exposed, can be rough on bare feet. Still, there are beaches, thanks in part to imported sand. You’ll find most of them along the island’s south side. For all the amenities, choose popular Smathers Beach, with its rentals and snack stand. Natives pick Fort Zachary Taylor Park and Beach, which is closest to Old Town. For snorkeling, head for Higgs Beach and the near-shore waters of the Key West Marine Park, a designated swimming/snorkeling area.

1102 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island

Marco Island is a stark contrast to the rest of the Everglades’ 10,000 islands. The island and its 4-mile beach -- once the home of fierce Calusa Indians -- is studded with high-rise condos, hotels and resorts, where visitors can gaze out at the gulf and the sandy-beached mangrove islands beyond.

800 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach

Only South Beach could have a diet named in its honor, and while the stereotypes of models and bodybuilders strutting their stuff on the sand still applies, surprisingly the beach offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including the shaded children’s playground at Lummus Park and volleyball courts, grills and a fishing pier at South Pointe Park on the southernmost tip of the beach. Even alongside the beach, activity remains the keyword -- the art deco boardwalk provides an only-in-Miami experience with its busy cafes and interesting characters.

400 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach

Though Palm Beach still carries the “private” and “exclusive” airs from Worth Avenue to many of the beaches along its 16-mile coast, there are public places to go if you’re in the know.